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Small Acts of Stewardship Add Up

Oliver Zunz, professor of History at University of Virginia, wrote a recent opinion piece for the New York Times about the history of the Christmas Seals program and what we can learn about the power of small gifts in the philanthropic whole. What if the 99% in our congregations alone could harness their stewardship potential?… Read more»

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Giving That is Blessed, Indeed!

“IT’S PERSONAL” BLOG
What did Jesus mean when he said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”? Is all giving covered? Paul, who quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35, gives us some important hits in the context. (“In Paris Texas” photo, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)

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5 Steps to Creating a Culture of Generosity

Everybody wants their church culture to encourage members to give generously of time, talent and treasure, but very few churches actually are. Transforming your church culture won’t take place by accident. Here are five specific steps to consider.

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Shopping Alert List

You’ve probably heard of blood diamonds, but here’s a list from Foreign Policy online of other items you’ll want to avoid this season. Part of good stewardship is making sure that others are not exploited. Click here to read the list of “killer products.” (Photo by paceofthepeople used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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The Gift of Time is Good Stewardship

Francine Jay (aka Miss Minimalist) offers some wonderful ideas for giving the gift of yourself and your time, along with a printable “Holiday Gift Exemption Certificate.” Time is a precious gift, and it’s good stewardship, too! (Photo by meloveschallah used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Where to Donate Your Stuff

Francine Jay of the Miss Minimalist blog offers a handy list of 101 places to donate items you no longer use or need. Of course, donating items close to home is always best, but most importantly, don’t let stuff others can use and appreciate clutter your life and home. ‘Tis always good to give and… Read more»

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Stewardship “Bieber-Style”

Young pop sensation Justin Bieber is much more than bubblegum and grins. Click here to read a chapter from Cathleen Falsani’s new book, BELIEBER!, and learn how one 17-year-old is living out his faith in words, song, AND action. (Photo by Snow Mojito used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Thomas Aquinas on Almsgiving

Here’s a link to the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225?-1274) from his Summa Theologica, encouraging Christians to live out the grace of God in their lives through acts of giving. In ten points, Aquinas presents a classical philosophical argument for the Christian to give generously in response to God. (Photo by Eddy Van 3000… Read more»

  • September 16
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Tithing = ten percent…of what?

Here’s an amusing, yet insightful, look at what constitutes “tithing.” Click here to watch a YouTube video entitled “Tithing = ten percent…of what?” (Photo by seo_gun used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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New Stewardship Education Resource Available

This is your opportunity to pre-order a new Christian stewardship education resource from the ELCA Region 9/LTSS Council on Stewardship Education. While designed to support stewardship leader education at the seven ELCA seminaries, its application is much broader-based. Order your copies now at this special pre-publication price.